Courses

    Introductory geology for majors and nonmajors. Studies Earth, its materials, its characteristics, its dynamic processes, and how it relates to people. Separate lab (GEOL 1030) is recommended. Approved for GT-SC1. Meets MAPS requirement for natural science: nonlab. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Examines how Earth's interior and surface, the atmosphere and climate, the oceans, and life interact and have changed over the immensity of geologic time. For majors and non-majors. Separate lab (GEOL 1030) is recommended. Prereq., GEOL 1010. Credit not granted for this course and GEOL 1040. Approved for GT-SC2. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Features field trips to local points of geologic interest. Studies rocks and topographic and geologic maps. Prior or current registration in 1000-level geology recommended. Approved for GT-SC1. Meets MAPS requirements for natural science lab, if taken with GEOL 1010. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science. Formerly GEOL 1080.

    Reviews the geologic evolution and history of Colorado. It first develops the basic concepts needed to interpret the geology, and then systematically shows how the state evolved through geologic time.The course is designed for those who enjoy understanding the beauty and splendor of the state. Prereq., GEOL 1010. Credit not granted for this course and GEOL 1020. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Focuses on evidence for planetary warming, climate change, glacier and ice-sheet melting, and sea level rise both now and in the recent past. Attempts to develop understanding of the interactions within the coupled Earth system that regulate such changes. Utilizes examples from the geological and instrumental records, and evaluates the global warming forecast. Prereq., GEOL 1010. Meets MAPS requirement for natural science: nonlab. Credit not granted for this course and ATOC 1060. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Explores the dynamics of planet Earth with particular emphasis on the factors that make the planet habitable. Includes examination of heat balance, hydrology, geomorphology, biogeochemistry and climate history through both lecture and lab-based activities. The course is required for the Environmental Geoscience track within the Geology major and will introduce students to the major concepts in contemporary Earth system science. Prereqs., GEOL 1010, 2100 or ENVS 1000, or instructor consent required.

    Provides introduction to the classification, composition, and properties of the materials that compose the Earth, how these materials are studied, and they are used to interpret Earth history and processes. Prereqs., GEOL 1010, GEOL 1030, CHEM 1113 and CHEM 1114.

    Introduces the scientific basis for the possible existence of life elsewhere in the universe. Includes origin and evolution of life on Earth and the search for evidence of life in our solar system, including Mars and Jupiter's moon Europa. Discusses the conditions necessary for life and whether they might arise on planets around other stars. Same as ASTR 2040. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Introduces the influences of geologic processes on human lives and the changes human actions cause in geologic systems. Uses examples and case studies from Colorado and the West. Approved for the arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Introduces basic field techniques necessary to collect geologic data and samples, and necessary to map geologic units. Prereqs., GEOL 1010 and 1030.

    Two lectures and one lab per week. Origin, occurrence, identification, classification, and uses of minerals. Applications of mineralogy to economic geology and petrology are emphasized. Prereqs., CHEM 1113, CHEM 1114 and MATH 1300. Recommended prereq., GEOL 2005.

    Field relations, petrography, petrology, chemistry, and origins of igneous and metamorphic rocks are studied by means of lectures, reading, and lab and field experience. Labs include instruction in the fundamentals of optical petrography and the study of rocks in thin section. Prereq., GEOL 3010 or GEOL 2005.

    Introduces parametric and distribution-free statistics, emphasizing applications to earth science problems. Same as GEOG 3023.

    Introduces groundwater flow concepts, hydrologic cycle, physical and chemical properties, flow net, hydraulic potential, geologic controls on heterogeneity and anisotropy, aquifers and aquitards in a geologic system, saturated and unsaturated flow, flow to a well, pumping tests, and role of groundwater in geologic processes. Prereqs., GEOL 1010 and MATH 1300, or instructor consent.

    Geological records in lakes, oceans, deserts, and around glaciers indicate the significant changes in the global systems that have taken place over the last few hundred or thousand years. Explores the timing and nature of these changes. Prereqs., any two-course sequence of natural science core courses. Credit not granted for this course and GEOL 4070. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques focused on geological applications. GIS analyzing, mapping, and GPS use are covered. Basic computer skills are a plus before entering the class.

    Investigates the broad-scale features and dynamics of Earth's oceans. The course is roughly divided amongst the four major, interrelated disciplines of oceanography: marine geology, marine chemistry, physical oceanography (i.e., circulation), and marine biology. Specific topics include seafloor spreading, marine sediments, salinity, biogeochemical cycles, currents, waves, tides, primary production, marine ecology, marine resources, global warming, and much more. Prereq., any two-course sequence of natural science courses. Same as ATOC 3070. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Focuses on the development of scientific writing skills. Enhances student ability to write professionally, revise text, and review the work of others. Writing assignments integrate the subject matter of different topics in earth science. Prereq., a lower division writing course and one of the following: GEOL 2001, 2005, 2700, 3010, 3030, 3120, 3320, 3430, or 3820. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: written communication.

    Geometrical techniques for describing and illustrating geological structures. Major topics include graphic methods and geometry of fractures and folds. Prereqs., GEOL 1010, GEOL 2001, and either GEOL 2005 or GEOL 2700.

    Uses the example of man-made climate change to develop an analytical understanding of the Earth system (solid, fluid, and living) that can be used to interpret the complex and uncertain forecast. Emphasis is given to the concepts of forcing, feedback and response in order to examine natural vs. man-made environmental changes and climate change mitigation strategies.

    Discusses the scientific basis for the possible existence of extraterrestrial life. Includes origin and evolution of life on Earth; possibility of life elsewhere in the solar system, including Mars; and the possibility of life on planets around other stars. Prereq., one-year sequence in a natural science. Same as ASTR 3300.

    Introduces chemical principles as applied to geologic processes. Includes an introductory discussion of mineral and rock chemistry, aqueous geochemistry, and organic geochemistry. Prereqs., CHEM 1113 and CHEM 1114 and MATH 1300.

    Surveys morphology, ecology, and evolution of ancient animal and plant life and their interactions on Earth. Fossils used to solve geological and biological problems. Prereqs., GEOL 1010, and GEOL 1020 or GEOL 2005, or any EBIO lower division sequence, or instructor consent.

    Introduces the study of sedimentary rocks emphasizing their origin, characteristics, and interpretation; and the principles and techniques for establishing the temporal order and spatial distribution of sedimentary layers. Prereq., GEOL 2005.

    Examines Earth's most important natural resources and their impact on society and the environment. Addresses the geology, occurrence, production, and use of petroleum, coal, mineral, and water resources. Future world energy supply and demand, conservation, and the transition from fossil fuels to non-polluting renewable resources are discussed. Prereq., GEOL 1010 or 1060. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

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